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The government of the United States should mandate higher fuel economy standards for all US car manufacturers, and also tax any foreign imports that don't meet these higher standards. The US government should also, in my opinion, subsidize American car manufacturing to promote the creation of technically innovative and fuel efficient transportation for all Americans and decent jobs for American workers.

Socialism? No, patriotism. The government pours billions of our tax dollars into the military budget and the war in Iraq; yet at least one source of the conflict is the need to control the flow of oil and stabilize a region that produces most of the oil supplies necessary to our economy. So far, this policy has enriched American oil companies and the foreign oil producers, but certainly not average Americans watching their paychecks drained away at the gas pump everyday.

Since the energy crisis of the 70's, it's been obvious that this country needs to reduce or eliminate its dependence on foreign oil supplies. We have known this for thirty years now, and it's long past the time to act and act decisively. This very dependence is one of the greatest threats to our national security. Is our only choice, to trade our soldiers' blood for oil?

Increased fuel efficiency will reduce the demand for oil and the need to drill in the Alaskan wildlife refuge areas, and give us more time to explore for new sources of energy and develop alternative fuels. The supplies available now, will last longer if we practice conservation, and international conflicts over oil supplies will be lessened. The citizens of developing economies like China and India will soon demand ownership of private motor cars, just as Americans did at the start of the 20th century: increases in fuel efficiency and the development of alternative fuels and transportation technology will benefit the entire world.

Why shouldn't America lead the way, just as we did with the invention of the internal combustion engine and the development of the automobile? Or are we now a nation of consumers and shoppers, not inventors and producers? No, I think we can create new technologies, new industries, and new jobs, and all we need is for our own government to partner with us, rather than stand in our way.

If you now own a fuel efficient car, then you already experience the benefits: you have extra money to spend on groceries, health care, your mortgage, and all the necessities of life for yourself and your family. Also, you produce fewer greenhouse gases everyday and lessen your carbon footprint. More fuel efficient cars are better for the United States and for the planet. The Federal government should act quickly to mandate higher fuel efficiency standards for American car manufacturers; there is no time, or energy, to waste.

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